How to Paint Ceramic Tile in a Kitchen

There are many reasons why you might want to change the tile in your kitchen. Maybe the design is out of date, or perhaps older neutral tiles look dingy. When the tile is fully bonded to the substrate and is in good shape, a suitable alternative to ripping the tile out is to paint it. Your kitchen floor or backsplash tile can be painted with specialty paint that will adhere to the ceramic tile glaze. Just take care to paint up to the edge of the grout joint---and not over it---to ensure a natural look when finished.

Things You'll Need

Cleaning supplies

Paintbrush

Oil-based or urethane resin paint

Clear urethane top coat

Clean the ceramic tile thoroughly. Remove any wax, grease, dirt or debris that could get in the way of the bond between the paint and the tile. Allow the tiles to dry fully before beginning.

Use a paint brush and an oil-based or urethane resin paint to carefully paint the tiles. Start from the top or back of the tile by positioning the paintbrush next to the grout joint and pulling it down or toward you in even strokes.

Allow the paint to dry completely. Depending on the type of paint, this may take several hours to several days. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications.

Cover the tiles with a top coat of clear urethane to protect the paint finish. Use a paintbrush to brush the tops of each tile with the urethane, pulling the urethane from back to front. Allow this top coat to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

Use a small detail brush to paint or stencil designs in the tiles if you prefer.

Keep windows and doors open for proper air ventilation while painting.